President Mary McAleese has sent Christmas greetings to the “Irish family at home and abroad” today and warned the country faced “a more uncertain New Year than we’ve seen in quite some time”.
In her annual Christmas message, Mrs McAleese said much of the news that we have received in 2008 has been “worrisome.”
However, she said it was now more important than ever to view the economic crisis “through the prism of history’s long perspective” and to remember the progress that has been achieved Ireland’s recent history.
Ireland should also take pride in the lasting legacy of peace and reconciliation that has been accomplished, Mrs McAleese added.
“Facing into the New Year we will need to draw on that generation’s skills and our strengths as a nation. Among our best assets are our exceptional traditions of community involvement and voluntary activities, our culture of taking responsibility for one another’s wellbeing and of pulling together through difficulties.
“We also have the solidarity and support that comes from membership of the European Union. With these resources we can muster the confidence to get through the tough times ahead and restore growth and opportunity for all our people.”
Mrs McAleese concluded: “To each one of you, whether members or friends of Ireland’s large clan, wherever you are, I send my very best wishes for a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful, safe and prosperous New Year.”